11 concerts to see this week, including Pearl Jam, St. Vincent, Waxahatchee and more

Here are 11 concerts to see in the next seven days, all around Philly. For tickets and more information, head to the WXPN Concert Calendar.

Tuesday 9/3: Cigarettes After Sex at Wells Fargo Center

Cigarettes After Sex. The band that makes the music you blast in your headphones late at night as a tear cinematically rolls down your cheek… no, just me? Well, their lo-fi and dreamy songs definitely have all the characteristics to evoke such emotion from anyone. The intimate nature of their songs will be a big contrast to the sprawling space of Wells Fargo Center, but there’s no doubt the band will be able to fill the arena with their ambient and ethereal music. // 8 p.m., $29.50 and up, AA – Emma Zoe Polyak

Tuesday 9/3: Tems at The Met Philly

Calling all Afrobeat lovers: Tems is coming to Philly! The Nigerian singer-songwriter has been on the rise since 2021, when she broke into the spotlight with “Essence,” her song with Wizkid. More recently, she released her debut studio album Born in the Wild this year, a project that blends modern R&B with pop and Afrobeat in a grand feat. She will be joined by fellow R&B artist Naomi Sharon, who boasts gorgeous, soothing vocals. // 8 p.m., $170 and up (Verified Resale), AA – E.Z.P.

Wednesday 9/4: Peter Hook And The Light at Union Transfer

You may know Peter Hook as the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and its successor New Order. Peter Hook And The Light are yet another iteration of Hook’s earlier bands, opting to play songs by the former bands on their tour. More specifically, the band will be performing both Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order at Union Transfer this Wednesday. While it’s not Hooky fully reunited with his New Order mates, it’ll certainly be a thrill. // 8 p.m., $35, AA – E.Z.P.

Thursday 9/5: Amen Dunes at Underground Arts

Damon MchMahon has been doing it for nearly twenty years now, but his psych-pop soundscapes still draw me in. See him perform songs from his most recent record, the sample-heavy “Death Jokes,” at Underground Arts this Thursday. Experimental cellist Mabe Fratti opens // 7:30 p.m., $44.29, AA – Claire Brown

Friday 9/6: Cage The Elephant at The Mann Center

There ain’t no rest for one of the finest radio-rock bands of the 21st century; more than fifteen years have passed since their iconic self-titled debut, and they still managed to come through with some bangers on their newest record, Neon Pill. If Cage alone isn’t enough to sell you, the opening lineup is stacked; Bakar, Willow Avalon, and Young the Giant join in on the fun. // 6:30 p.m., $52.50 and up, AA – C.B.

Friday 9/6: St. Vincent at The Met Philly

Earlier this year, St. Vincent came through with another great pop-rock album – what else is new? 2024’s All Born Screaming saw her adventuring into rawer, more ambitious territory, so what better choice for an opener than Yves Tumor, the glam-noise enigma who remains one of the most exciting voices in rock music right now? It’ll be a crazy, colorful, queer evening. // 8 p.m., $54.25 and up, AA – C.B.

Saturday 9/7: Pearl Jam at Wells Fargo Center

As a staple of 90s grunge, Pearl Jam needs no introduction. But after decades of hits like “Alive” and “Corduroy,” the band is still producing albums lauded by the press and standing up for causes they believe in. Their Dark Matter world tour promoting the acclaimed April album includes two carbon neutral shows at Wells Fargo Center this weekend – don’t miss it. // 6:30 p.m., $413.30 and up (PJ Premium), AA – Maeve Zeleniak

Saturday 9/7: Powerhouse Philly Songwriters In The Round at World Cafe Live

We love a good in-the-round concert. There’s no breaks, just a group of artists who keep the music moving in a stripped-down and engaging format. For this Powerhouse Philly showcase Saturday at World Cafe Live’s Lounge, singer-songwriter scene pals Andrea Nardello, Emily Drinker, Lia Menaker, and Sug Daniels will all take turns at the mic, showcasing the core strengths of the Philly community while also giving a look at how it’s stepping into the future. // 8 p.m., $15, AA – John Vettese

Saturday 9/7: Haverford Music Festival

Get those outdoor music gatherings in while you can! (There’s a big one coming up in a couple weekends that we’re pretty excited about, after all.) For the past 12 years, the folks in Haverford Township have rounded up a gathering of regional and national acts for a free day of music, and this year’s takes place on Saturday, with XPNFest vets The National Reserve making the trek down from Brooklyn to headline. Iain Matthews of Fairport Convention and Wesley Stace are also set to perform. // noon, free, AA – J.V.

Saturday 9/7: Snail Mail at Phantom Power

WXPN welcomes Lindsey Jordan, better known as Snail Mail, to Phantom Power in Millersville. Recently, the indie rock prodigy’s project dropped “Tonight, Tonight”, a cautiously hopeful and hauntingly beautiful track composed by Billy Corgan. After her headlining show, she’ll open for Waxahatchee, making Philly Snail Mail’s final stop.  // 7 p.m., $32, AA – M.Z.

Saturday 9/7: Waxahatchee at The Fillmore Philadelphia

Katie Crutchfield’s project is flourishing. After releasing her acclaimed seventh album Tigers Blood this March (complete with single “Right Back To It” featuring MJ Lenderman), she’s dropped “Easy Company”, a collaboration with fellow folk group Futurebirds. This weekend, she settles into the Fillmore for a weekend of Waxahatchee with different openers each night. Saturday, in addition to her own set, we’ll see performances from Gladie and Tim Heidecker. // 7 p.m., $59, AA – M.Z.